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Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (SS STARS)

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
ATO, Tech Ops, Technical Operations ESA, Boston District, Bangor SSC (WEP43-BGR)

Summary

The Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS) at this level is recognized as the subject matter expert in their field. All duties of an ATSS are tied to maintaining safe and efficient operating capacity of the vast and complex network of electronics systems required for the world's largest air traffic control and navigation system.


Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 07/15/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 15, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$90,547 - $140,335 per year

The salary above includes locality pay of 17.06%.

Pay scale & grade
FV I
Promotion potential
NA
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
25% or less - The job may require up to 25% travel.
Appointment type
Temporary - 2 years
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
Yes - This is a bargaining unit position, represented by the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (http://www.passnational.org).
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Other
Announcement number
ANE-ATO-26-123-98946
Control number
874086700

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent ATO Employees, Logistics Center (AML) and FAA Academy (AMA) employees

Duties

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ATSS Personnel install, evaluate, maintain, modify and certify facilities, services and equipment that support the National Airspace System (NAS). They are also responsible for various duties that contribute to providing reliable and safe FAA services to the flying public.

Serves as an ATSS who specializes in the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS). Performs a variety of functions directly related to the operation of the NAS. Independently evaluates the functional status of assigned subsystems, systems and facilities. Plans, coordinates, and resolves unique technical problems without managerial intervention, providing coordination and suggesting solutions, making adjustments as necessary to deal with system outages and performance deterioration.

Recognized as a principal technical specialist on legacy and newly developed systems within a large facility or multiple facilities over a large geographical area. Performs work of broad scope and complexity with a high degree of independence. Responsibilities include integration, restoration, testing and evaluation of new advanced services or service components, hardware/software systems and processes. Applies comprehensive technical knowledge to protect the integrity of all components and systems to provide NAS service delivery. Initiates action to install, repair or restore systems and services.

As a principal specialist or team leader for major projects and/or program areas, resolves unique technical problems without managerial intervention, providing coordination and suggesting solutions. Carries out work in accordance with overall plans and objectives of the organization, resolving problems as they arise and making adjustments as necessary to deal with unanticipated situations and organizational needs. This work includes responsibility for evaluating diagnostic data from multiple systems that are integrated to support a network of services or service products. Evaluation of this data is used for correcting deficiencies on Contractor Acceptance Inspection/Joint Acceptance Inspection, and timely resolution of equipment, systems or services with the NAS.

Acts in a security and administration role for STARS system. Conducts day to day monitoring and management of system and user activity that affect STARS information security, performs the day to day hands on operational and security duties, performs security administration performance checks, reviews/manages user accounts, files, and directories, reviews and analyze audit logs, attends the STARS Systems Specialist course, installs and reconfigures approved software and adaptions, performs user account management, and follows all agency policy and guidance on the STARS systems.

Review and evaluates all automation tickets. Works with air traffic and other stakeholders to eliminate erroneous tickets before forwarding to OSF.

ATSS must possess expert knowledge, skill or ability to perform the operation with the installation, maintenance, modification, repair, troubleshooting, flight check and certification of Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS). This discipline is heavily engaged in operations and maintenance of industrial computer systems in the corporate environment, industrial systems to include both hardware and software applications. In addition, this position maintains other electrical/mechanical equipment/systems necessary to ensure reliability of facilities on and off airports with the network of the NAS.

Contracts are both internal and external. Often represents the organization as the primary technical point of contact on projects, programs, and other work activities to coordinate and implement plans or to obtain information and resolve problems.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
  • Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
  • A valid driver's License is required.
  • Position may be extended or terminated at any time.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position at the I pay band, you must show experience at the level of difficulty and responsibility that is appropriate to the position. Experience that demonstrates an extensive knowledge of and experience in technology system interrelationships, and management of civilian or military automated aviation, navigation, and electronics system. Specialized experience is defined as experience in the FV-2101 occupation or in a related occupation, which equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Generally, experience at the next lower level pay band H/Career Level III or FG/GS-12.

Demonstrated Abilities: Applicants MUST provide narrative responses for each Demonstrated Ability listed within this announcement. Narrative responses should be clear and concise, providing a description of your education, training, and experience that would describe the degree to which you possess each Demonstrated Ability. Narrative responses are MANDATORY for each Demonstrated Ability and applicants must show possession of each.

Answer all questions to the best of your ability. Do not assume that because you hold, or have held this position, you will automatically be found eligible. You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you possess this type of experience at a later stage in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification. Failure to submit narrative responses for each "Demonstrated Ability" will prevent further consideration.

Supervisor's Endorsement: A Supervisor's Endorsement form or memorandum is required for a competitive promotion. Applicants applying for a promotion must include a supervisor's endorsement or memorandum which must include the vacancy announcement number and supervisor's or acting supervisor's signature.

A supervisor's endorsement is not required for reassignments (same as ingrades) or downgrades.

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the following has been determined to be a selective placement factor (SPF) for this position. This means possession of this criterion is part of the minimum qualifications and is essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of this position. Applicants who do not possess this criterion are ineligible for further consideration. 

  • ATSS must possess expert knowledge, skill or ability to perform the operation with the installation, maintenance, modification, repair, troubleshooting, flight check and certification of Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS). This discipline is heavily engaged in operations and maintenance of industrial computer systems in the corporate environment, industrial systems to include both hardware and software applications. In addition, this position maintains other electrical/mechanical equipment/systems necessary to ensure reliability of facilities on and off airports with the network of the NAS.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Preview job questionnaire

Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.

Additional information

We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.

The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements

This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.

Security Clearance: Moderate Risk (5). This position requires completion and favorable adjudication of a background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained.

Interviews: All or none of the applicants may be interviewed IAW PASS contract.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.



IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.

Federal Aviation Administration

At the FAA, the sky is not the limit—it is just the beginning. Exciting new opportunities are emerging in aviation and aerospace. Significant investments are advancing the research and development of autonomous vehicles, environmentally friendly electric aircraft, high-speed and long-endurance solar-powered aircraft, and new types of space vehicles. Success with these new technologies and vehicle types will introduce new ways to transport people and goods expanding aviation's footprint in transportation. People are our strength. We are a diverse workforce of over 44,000 located nationwide and spanning over 120 occupations to include air traffic control specialists, aviation safety inspectors, engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals. Join us in our mission to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.

Agency contact information

Cheryl Johnson
Phone
1 (781) 238-7261
Fax
1 (781) 238-7283
Email
cheryl.johnson@faa.gov
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
ANE Regional HR Services Branch
1200 District Avenue
AHF-N500
Burlington, MA 01803
US

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